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Ohio Cities Among America’s Most Stressed

Posted in Health & Wellness, In the news on July 22, 2024

Stressed

Dealing with stress is a common part of life, but stress has become more of a problem for people in the U.S. due to the pandemic, higher prices for things, and an increase in violent crime. Money, health, and the economy are the main sources of stress. Still, many adults don’t talk about their stress because they don’t want to bother anyone else.

To identify where Americans are coping best, a study compared more than 180 cities across 39 key metrics, including average weekly work hours, unemployment rate, divorce rate, and suicide rate. Here, we focus on the Ohio cities featured in the study.

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland ranks as the most stressed city in the U.S. This high-stress level is attributed to several factors:

  • Financial Stress
  • Family Stress
  • Health & Safety Stress

Where Do the Other Ohio Cities Rank?

  • Akron: 8th
  • Cincinnati: 23rd
  • Toledo: 26th
  • Columbus: 67th

How To Manage Stress

Step 1: Recognize What Stresses You Out

  • To start managing stress, it’s important to identify what triggers it. You can keep a journal to jot down when you feel stressed and what causes it. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, which can help you address the root causes.

Step 2: Focus on What You Can Control

  • Not all stressors are the same. Figure out which ones you can control and concentrate on those. For the ones you can’t control, try to accept them and develop strategies to cope with them.

Step 3: Relax and Be Mindful

  • Integrating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine can significantly reduce stress. Even a few minutes each day can help you stay calm and focused. You can also try simple breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Step 4: Stay Active and Healthy

  • Regular physical activity is a powerful stress reliever as it releases natural mood boosters. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Also, make sure to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods.

Step 5: Build a Support System

  • Strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can provide emotional support. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need to talk or share your feelings. If stress becomes overwhelming, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

Step 6: Manage Your Time Wisely

  • Use planners or digital tools to organize your tasks, break them into smaller steps, and prioritize them. It’s important to set boundaries and learn to say no when necessary to prevent overcommitting and increased stress.

Step 7: Engage in Activities You Enjoy

  • Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities that bring you joy, such as painting, gardening, or reading, can be a great way to relax and distract yourself from stress.

Step 8: Cultivate a Positive Mindset

  • Practicing gratitude and challenging negative thoughts can shift your focus from stressors to the positive aspects of your life, improving your mindset and reducing stress.

Dealing with stress is something we must work on regularly, but if we make these strategies part of our daily routine, we can live a healthier, more balanced life. It’s okay to ask for help when we need it, and looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.